Fallout returned last week to begin a new season. The season’s second episode, “The Golden Rule,” continues setting the foundation of the various storylines including catching up with current Brotherhood of Steel paladin, Maximus.
The most compelling aspect of the episode is Maximus. His tragic origin story paints a detailed picture of what he really lost prior to joining the Brotherhood. It also provides more context to events only referenced in the past regarding Shady Sands and its fate. The storytelling is so well done filled with tension and hitting a range of emotions in such a short period of time. It leaves a lasting impression particularly the last words from Maximus’s father about how he is a good boy and will be a good man.
Those last words resonate as we return to the present day. Based off of his current behavior and actions, you can see that Maximus is gradually losing himself the higher he climbs up within the Brotherhood. Aaron Moten has convincingly transformed the character from before. The Maximus of Fallout season two is more hardened, but also more robotic.
After Lucy left him, he walks through life in a haze going through the motions desensitized from the violence. Even when his friend Dane tries to pull him back from the edge, he still finds ways to go over. At least he retains a slight sliver of his humanity as demonstrated by his interactions with his squire. It is a very warm and guiding relationship, especially for one so new that is surrounded by that intense, testosterone filled environment.
Another subplot that is becoming more endearing revolves around Norm. Moisés Arias diminutive stature makes him perfect to tell an underdog story. For a secondary character, it’s been a delight to watch Norm’s growth these past two episodes that the character really stands out. He is smart and quick witted, which allows him to take a more leadership role. As a strong leader, he pushes himself and confronts his insecurities making him someone you want to follow. It’s still to be determined how well he fits the position, but he was able to have one victory.
It’s understandable that Fallout would want to go bigger in season two, and some of the elements the series is bringing in have strong ties to the source material. However, it can become a little confusing with so much new so early. There are new factions introduced and talks of civil war plus teases of even another new group. It’s hard to see right now how everything fits together in the big picture. It helps that these new elements are tied to some of the main characters and are not happening isolated elsewhere. But overall, it is some good world building.
“The Golden Rule” is an improvement over the season premiere. Although it may be introducing too many new elements, the episode does some fine character work with Maximus and to a lesser degree, Norm.
New episodes of Fallout release Wednesdays on Prime Video.
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